Starting a new business requires much planning and many important decisions. First, a new business owner must decide under what entity, if any, to do business. Choices range from a sole proprietorship, a corporation, S corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or general partnership. All entities are unique, each with different requirements, understandings, and obligations. Choosing the right organization depends much upon your goals, present needs, and future aspirations.

Thereafter, details regarding a place to do business and the negotiation involved in obtaining a lease will need to be addressed. Establishing contracts and agreements with vendors, distributors, and shipping companies may need to be put in place to get your business operational. Long term commitments and agreements concerning the provision of services that will affect your business on a daily basis should be carefully reviewed.

Next in line for a new business is obtaining the necessary licensing both at the state, county, and local levels to engage in your chosen business. Each enterprise varies as does the requirements and filing needs for each venture. All businesses will at a minimum require a certificate of use and occupational license to conduct business at their place of business. Thereafter, your needs vary depending upon your line of business, a manufacturer for example will require county and city licensing for the manufacturing end of the business and depending on the process used, certain state permits may also be required. A local grocery store on the other hand may need an licenses from the state for the sale of alcohol, tobacco, and lottery tickets. Most licensing issues are fairly simply but are time intensive in that many forms may need to be processed and delivered in a timely fashion. Assistance can be provided for the entire licensing process so you may concentrate your efforts on other more pressing needs and running your business.